'Bantoge to lutoge'; Tikait calls for unity among farm unions

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait gave a call for unity, and issued a warning to farmer unions, “bantoge to lutoge” (if you divide, you will lose). He emphasised that farmer unions must stand together to strengthen their protest against government policies and achieve their goals.

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“If we march separately, we will lose. Unity is essential. When the movement began 10 months ago, we called for everyone to join the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and act collectively. No separate calls to Delhi should be made. Until we unite, we should stay away from Delhi. This is like facing a 66,000-watt current. They will have to cross it together,” said Tikait while interacting with mediapersons before going to Nanaksar Gurdwara at Singhra village to pay tribute to spiritual preacher Baba Ram Singh on his death anniversary. Baba Ram Singh had "committed suicide" over the farmers’ plight at Singhu border where thousands of farmers were protesting against farm laws in December 2020.

Tikait also expressed concern over the deteriorating health condition of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on indefinite fast at the Khanauri border since November 26, and urged the government to initiate talks with farmer organisations promptly. “The government must take the decisions that are in the best interest of everyone. To prepare for Delhi, all farmer groups must come together. The swift morcha must unite and engage in dialogue. We stand with the protesters and will continue to support them in their demands,” he said.

He also pointed out that the agitation of only Punjab farmers was currently benefiting and said that it was confined to Punjab, affecting the people there. “With Punjab governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, the agitation is creating challenges for people. This movement is likely to continue for another four to five months,” said Tikait.

Meanwhile, Tikait took a jibe at farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, suggesting he should focus on farmers’ issues instead of contesting elections. “Let him contest elections first. If he is free from elections, he can join the farmers again. But he will have to let go of the 'election fever’. Elections are a big distraction," Tikait added. Sharing his own experience, he said, “I gave up contesting elections long ago, and I will share the same realisation with him (Charuni) when he is ready.”

Tikait also condemned the controversial statement by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra, who made controversial remarks against farmers recently, and called the remarks “an insult to the farming community”. He demanded that the MP should issue an apology to the farmers for his remarks. “He should clarify with proof in support of his statement,” he demanded.

Tikait also criticised the UP Government for not disbursing the payments to sugarcane farmers of the last year and also not to hike the price of sugarcane.